The God of Daniel (Dan 1:1-7)
Intro: Context
"As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world" (Jn 17:15-18).
Exposition
1. The Message they were Hearing: God is dead and conquered (v1-2,7)
A change of names. Daniel, "God is my judge," becomes Belteshazzar, "keeper of the treasures of Bel." Hananiah, "Jehovah has been gracious," becomes Shadrach, "the command of Aku." Mishael, "Who is like God?" becomes Meshach "Who is like Aku?" Azariah, "Jehovah has helped" becomes Abed-Nego, "The servant of [the God] Nebo."
Taking the temple articles, a symbol that the God of Israel has been conquered.
2. The Message God was Sending: "God removes kings and raises up kings" (v2)
See also Ch 2, God rules in the kingdom of men.
Dan 2:21, Dan 4:37, Dan 5:30, Dan 6:26.
Application: We need confidence in our God and courage to speak His message.
It's tempting to present Jesus as a need-meeter rather than a king and ruler, to speak of God's love more than God's judgment, to say more about faith than about repentance. But it won't do.
Conclusion
Daniel 6:26-27 "I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be forever. |
